Do you consider yourself: Pro, Semi Pro, Hobbyist, Amateur, Something Else?
I consider myself a semi-professional hobbyist. I’m definitely a hobbyist, but I like to think I act like a professional most of the time. So yea…
How did you find Model Insider and what do you like best about it?
I worked with James (SLE) down in Tampa a few years ago, after meeting on the MM forums, and we talk often. I know Ambler thru the forums on MM as well. The two of them got me involved with MI. What do I like best about MI? Goodness… I think the best part about MI is the knowledge available. Some of the most knowledgeable folks in the industry are at MI, and I know that if I have a question or need an opinion, I’ll get a no-BS answer.
What is your usual genre? Favorite genre?
I suppose the closest genre to what I usually shoot would be commercial fashion. It’s definitely something I love to shoot. I also really like doing fantasy stuff, where I play a character, get heavily involved with hair and makeup, and overall come out looking not like myself.
How do you find photographers to work with?
At this point, I’ve been doing a lot of work with folks I’ve already worked with, who I know are reliable (especially when it comes to TF*) and who I know can produce work that’s high quality. With the economy and the fact that I don’t do nude work, paid jobs were tough to come by in 2010.
Do you do your own styling and makeup? Do you work with a preferred MUA?
I have done my own hair, makeup and wardrobe before. I largely still do my own wardrobe. I work very often with MUA Christin C, who also does hair, and always delivers exactly what the rest of the team is looking for. The first time we worked together, we clicked, and a friendship developed pretty quick, so now she’s my go-to gal when I need a talented stylist.
Where do you see yourself going in the next year, artistically and business wise?
In 2011 I plan to push myself farther than I’ve been. I hope to deliver incredible work that blows people away. I’m working on a series of self-portraits, as well as planning on working with both folks I’ve worked with before and new people. I’m also working on offering workshops for models and photographers through the MeetUp group I run.
Do you shoot both in studio and on location and do you have a preference?
Yup! And I don’t have a preference at all… great stuff can come from both places if you have the right team.
Do you travel?
Not as much as I’d like to, no. I work full-time, so traveling can be tough, and I usually end up just taking a vacation, as opposed to “working” while I travel. I would like to travel at least once this year, purely for modeling.
Anything else you'd like to tell Model Insiders about yourself?
Check out my blog, where I often write about modeling-related stuff! www.modelracheljay.com
